This is quite a large plant Family, with about 2000 species in 80 genera. They are mainly temperate herbaceous plants, and include many popular garden plants - the Pinks, Carnations and Sweet William (Dianthus), Baby\'s Breath (Gypsophila), Campions and Catchflies (Silene and Lychnis) and Sandworts (Arenaria), as well as a number of weeds, including several types of Chickweed (Stellaria), Mouse-Ear (Cerastium) and Pearlwort (Sagina). They seem to do particularly well on chalky soils.

The plants of this family are relatively uniform, so are easily recognised.

Swollen leaf joints Simple undivided leaves A calyx with five lobes No stipules Flowers with four or five petals White, pink or red flowers - rarely yellow, but never blue